Manawa’s top stories of 2010

The Manawa School Board made a decision at its Jan. 25 meeting to consolidate into two buildings. By September, for the beginning of the 2010-11 school year, the district had closed its former elementary school and divided the students into the other two buildings. The former middle school was renamed Manawa Elementary School and the high school was renamed Little Wolf Junior/Senior High School.

December 29, 2010

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The Manawa School Board made a decision at its Jan. 25 meeting to consolidate into two buildings. By September, for the beginning of the 2010-11 school year, the district had closed its former elementary school and divided the students into the other two buildings. The former middle school was renamed Manawa Elementary School and the high school was renamed Little Wolf Junior/Senior High School.

Changes on school board

The Manawa School Board saw major changes in 2010. President Dennis Smith bid farewell after serving on the board for 33 years. “I always said I would not be in this position when my grandchildren started school,” he recalled. “I guess I was kidding myself because I have a granddaughter in the sixth grade!” Smith choosing not to seek another term was not the only change on the school board. With three other incumbents also not seeking re-election, it was almost a new board at the April 19 reorganizational meeting.

Changes on Manawa Council

The Manawa Common Council also underwent changes during 2010. After announcing that he was being deployed for military duty in Afghanistan, Mayor Dave Sarna requested a leave of absence from his mayoral duties at the council’s June 7 meeting. Third Ward Alderman Joe Burkard resigned at the Jan. 4 meeting and 2nd Ward Alderman Don Fisher announced he was not seeking re-election.

Sturm purchased by TreeHouse

At the end of March, Manawa’s largest employer Sturm Foods was acquired by TreeHouse Foods of Westchester, Ill., for $660 million.

Sturm Memorial Library centennial kick off

The Sturm Memorial Library held a centennial kick-off celebration Sunday, Oct. 10. The library’s centennial celebration will continue through May 2011.

Schultz overcomes the odds and walks again

They said he would never walk again, but in May 2010 Alex Schultz walked into the gymnasium and up onto the stage to receive his diploma from Little Wolf High School. It has been almost three years since the 19-year-old was injured in a car accident and told he probably would never walk again. Aided only with a cane and support from his brother, Alex walked proudly into the gymnasium to take a seat with other members of his class. He walked alone onto the stage to receive his diploma.